Studying in Greece is increasingly attractive for its quality and reasonable costs.
- Tourism contributes a sizeable share of GDP, welcoming tens of millions of visitors yearly.
- After the 2010s debt crisis, the economy has recovered and returned to growth.
- Property, especially in Athens, has rebounded strongly on Golden Visa demand and tourism.
Greece's education system spans schooling, low-fee public universities and many international programmes.
Leading universities include the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
The Greece education system
Many postgraduate programmes are taught in English, drawing international students.
Public-university tuition for non-EU students is far lower than in Western Europe or the US.
Student living costs in Greece are among the more affordable in the EU.
Levels and qualifications
International students may work part-time within the hours set by their study visa.
Greek degrees are recognised across the EU under the Bologna Process.
Scholarships come from the Greek state, the EU's Erasmus+ and individual universities.
Top universities and majors
Strong fields include maritime studies, archaeology, tourism-hospitality and medicine.
- A European Union member since 1981 and part of the eurozone, Greece uses the euro (EUR).
- Greece belongs to the Schengen Area, allowing free movement across much of Europe.
- Its coastline stretches about 13,600 km, among the longest in the world.
- Greece lies in Southeastern Europe at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula on the Mediterranean.
- The capital, Athens, is the political and economic hub and the birthplace of Western democracy.
Language of instruction
Greece has a population of about 10.4 million, most following Greek Orthodox Christianity.
The official language is Greek, while English is widely spoken in tourism and larger cities.
Greece counts more than 6,000 islands and islets, of which roughly 200 are inhabited.
Why study in Greece
It has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters.
Greece's economy leans on tourism, shipping and agriculture.
Greece owns one of the world's largest merchant fleets by tonnage.
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
Related articles
- Cost of living in Greece: what a month really costs
- Greece at a glance: location, population and key figures
- Study Abroad
Frequently asked questions
How is the Greek education system structured?
It includes preschool, primary, lower secondary and upper secondary education, followed by higher education at public universities and some private colleges. Public universities dominate, and Greek students gain entry through a national examination system.
Which Greek universities are best known internationally?
Well-known institutions include the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the National Technical University of Athens, the Athens University of Economics and Business, and universities in Crete and Patras.
Are there programmes taught in English?
Most public undergraduate programmes are taught in Greek, but the number of English-taught master's programmes and a smaller number of bachelor's programmes is growing, especially in business, tourism, shipping and archaeology. Check the language of instruction before applying.
Why do international students choose Greece?
Reasons include EU-recognised degrees, often lower tuition and living costs than much of Western Europe, strengths in shipping, tourism and classical studies, a Mediterranean lifestyle and access to travel within the Schengen area.
What limitations should students consider?
English-taught options are still limited, administration can be slow, part-time and graduate jobs usually require Greek, and some international student communities are small. Students should plan their post-graduation goals carefully before enrolling.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
